CVE-2018-12171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Intel Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware versions before 1.43.91f76955 are susceptible to privilege escalation, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution or network denial of service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2018-12171

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in Intel Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware that could lead to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2018-12171?

CVE-2018-12171 highlights a risk in Intel BMC firmware versions prior to 1.43.91f76955, where an attacker with insufficient privileges could exploit the flaw to execute unauthorized code or trigger a network denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2018-12171

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it could allow attackers to escalate their privileges and potentially compromise the integrity and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12171

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Intel BMC firmware before version 1.43.91f76955 may enable unprivileged users to execute arbitrary code or conduct denial of service attacks over the network.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Intel Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware
Vendor: Intel Corporation
Affected Versions: Versions before 1.43.91f76955

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by individuals lacking adequate privileges to run unauthorized code or launch network denial of service attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-12171 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Intel BMC firmware to version 1.43.91f76955 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict access controls to limit unauthorized access to critical systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit system logs for any suspicious activities.
Conduct security training for personnel to enhance awareness of potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Intel and promptly apply patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities.